Leeds United is set to continue their Championship campaign after the international break with a match against Watford at Vicarage Road. The team has been in stellar form, remaining unbeaten in 2024 with a series of 12 victories and one draw in their last 13 league matches. As they aim for automatic promotion, head coach Daniel Farke is eager to have his squad at full strength.
However, Leeds will be without defender Pascal Struijk for the upcoming game. Struijk has been dealing with a hip injury for the past three months and is currently undergoing injection therapy. There is a possibility that he might need surgery, which could sideline him for the remainder of the season. Farke has described Struijk’s situation as complex and is expected to provide an update during the pre-match press conference.
Despite Struijk’s absence, Leeds has demonstrated considerable depth in their defensive lineup. Ethan Ampadu has stepped in alongside Joe Rodon, forming a solid partnership at the back that has contributed to Leeds’ rise to the top of the Championship table. With the team performing well and Struijk’s absence not heavily impacting their results, Farke has the luxury of allowing Struijk ample time to recover without rushing him back into play.
Leeds also has Charlie Cresswell and Liam Cooper as reliable defensive options, ensuring the team is well-equipped to handle Struijk’s unavailability as they face Watford.